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Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology
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Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 23053

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sergey Zhironkin

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
School of Core Engineering Education, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30 Lenina St., 634050 Tomsk, Russia
Interests: innovation economic; development economy innovation man-agement; higher education; environmental engineering; mining technology; innovation wastewater
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Radim Rybar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control, and Geotechnologies, Technical University of Kosice, 04001 Kosice, Slovakia
Interests: solar thermal collectors; innovations in renewable energy technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the production of energy from traditional fossil sources is beginning to give way to renewable energy technologies. New technological, economic, and environmental requirements raise the question of how to make renewable energy sources a driver of sustainable development for the coming decades. Solar and wind energy, recycling of synthetic materials, and new ways for their utilization can not only significantly reduce the burden on the environment, but also give a new impetus to the development of modern industry and help find a new balance between the needs of people and the capabilities of nature.

To enhance the international dissemination of these ideas, it is necessary to unite the efforts of researchers in the fields of traditional and modern energy, waste-free production, and ecology in multidisciplinary discussions of urgent problems of transition to the use of renewable energy. In order to obtain new ideas in these areas worldwide, this Special Issue, entitled “Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology”, is proposed for the international journal Processes. This Special Issue mainly covers original research in the fields of sustainable development, new materials manufacturing and recycling, and renewable energy. We invite you to submit your original papers to the Special Issue “Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology” and look forward to receiving your outstanding research.

Prof. Dr. Sergey Zhironkin
Dr. Radim Rybar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable development
  • renewable energy
  • new materials
  • recycling

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 192 KiB  
Editorial
Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology
by Sergey Zhironkin and Radim Rybár
Processes 2022, 10(7), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10071363 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 927
Abstract
Currently, the production of energy from traditional fossil sources is beginning to give way to renewable energy technologies [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

18 pages, 4906 KiB  
Article
Strengthening the Mitigation of Climate Change Impacts in Slovakia through the Disaggregation of Cultural Landscapes
by Jana Rybárová, Ľubomíra Gabániová, Lucia Bednárová, Radim Rybár and Martin Beer
Processes 2022, 10(4), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10040658 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1525
Abstract
This article presents the results of research on the possibilities of fragmentation of cultural, and especially agricultural, landscapes in a selected locality in eastern Slovakia, which is currently characterized by a high proportion of large-scale soil units used for growing cereals and crops [...] Read more.
This article presents the results of research on the possibilities of fragmentation of cultural, and especially agricultural, landscapes in a selected locality in eastern Slovakia, which is currently characterized by a high proportion of large-scale soil units used for growing cereals and crops subsequently used as energy sources (maize and oilseed rape, among others). Slovakia, as the country with the largest average field area in the European Union (EU), is facing a process of fragmentation of these units to counter climate change and increase the resilience of the landscape to erosion, soil fertility, and biodiversity loss. This paper presents a fragmentation method based on the restoration of former dividing lines, mainly formed by dirt roads, based on the historical mapping. The results show that in this way it is possible to achieve denser landscape fragmentation, to create dividing green belts, to increase the resilience of the environment to water and wind erosion, and to create an environment for pollinator resources and a background for plants and animals in the landscape, while respecting the ergometric routing of the dividing lines and the ownership relations of the land. Last but not least, benefits have been quantified in the form of carbon capture, as well as in the construction of a network of recreational or hiking trails. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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17 pages, 9855 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study for Determining the Strength Limits of a Powered Longwall Support
by Dawid Szurgacz, Konrad Trzop, Jan Gil, Sergey Zhironkin, Jiří Pokorný and Horst Gondek
Processes 2022, 10(3), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10030527 - 07 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1854
Abstract
The process of designing a longwall powered support is extremely complex and requires many operations related to the creation of a complete machine. The powered support section is one of the basic elements of the longwall system. It acts as protection for the [...] Read more.
The process of designing a longwall powered support is extremely complex and requires many operations related to the creation of a complete machine. The powered support section is one of the basic elements of the longwall system. It acts as protection for the working space and takes part in the process of excavating and transporting the spoil. The implementation of the support that meets the guidelines of the manufacturer and user requires an endurance analysis at the design stage conducted according to the regulations in force. The main objective of this research, pursued by the authors, was to perform the analysis of the ultimate strength of selected elements of the designed powered support section. The research was carried out with the use of special software that uses the finite element method. This article presents the analysis of the strength limits conducted with the help of the finite element method, determining the strength of selected elements of the longwall support section. The solutions proposed by the authors include changes in the structure and properties of the material in the design process. The aim of the proposed solution was to obtain a model with strength value that meets safety standards. The research results are a valuable source of knowledge for designers. Solutions of this type set examples for spatial models of the longwall support section being designed currently. The analysis presented in the article, together with the results of the research and the conclusions resulting from them, may improve the safety and effectiveness of powered supports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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17 pages, 2199 KiB  
Article
The Use of Geothermal Energy for Heating Buildings as an Option for Sustainable Urban Development in Slovakia
by Andrea Senova, Erika Skvarekova, Gabriel Wittenberger and Jana Rybarova
Processes 2022, 10(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10020289 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2418
Abstract
The use of geothermal energy (GE) and the green economy in the environment of Slovak municipalities and towns is significant, due to the reduction in the negative influences and impacts of human society’s constant consumer lifestyle. The authors highlight the use of modern [...] Read more.
The use of geothermal energy (GE) and the green economy in the environment of Slovak municipalities and towns is significant, due to the reduction in the negative influences and impacts of human society’s constant consumer lifestyle. The authors highlight the use of modern scientific knowledge, practical experience, and ever-improving technologies in the field of renewable energy sources RES. The aim of this contribution is to draw attention to the under-utilization of GE’s potential in Slovakia. Given the country’s commitment to meeting emission limits under EU carbon neutrality agreements by 2050, the use of this resource is very pertinent. Slovakia has significant geothermal resources that are not currently sufficiently utilized. The article suggests using GE to heat housing units of the housing estate near the geothermal source. Three scenarios (60 °C (pessimistic), 65 °C (conservative), and 70 °C (optimistic)) were considered in our energy balance and economic advantage calculations. The green economy offers a sustainable way of using the earth’s resources. The financial calculations regarding the amount of investment, the expected financial return and the possible values of the saved emissions confirm the possibility of the further use of GE technology. The information under consideration can be used in other significant territories, which may be a theme for further research in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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20 pages, 3404 KiB  
Article
Designing a Tool for an Innovative, Interdisciplinary Learning Process Based on a Comprehensive Understanding of Sourcing: A Case Study
by Radim Rybár, Ľubomíra Gabániová, Jana Rybárová, Martin Beer and Lucia Bednárová
Processes 2022, 10(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10010009 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1949
Abstract
The paper presents a case study describing the process of creating and validating the benefits of two Innovative Learning Tools (ILTs) aimed at more effective knowledge acquisition in the interdisciplinary field of earth resource extraction with links to the status of renewable energy. [...] Read more.
The paper presents a case study describing the process of creating and validating the benefits of two Innovative Learning Tools (ILTs) aimed at more effective knowledge acquisition in the interdisciplinary field of earth resource extraction with links to the status of renewable energy. The philosophy behind the original designs and the design of the two tools, the way they are used, and the results of their application in the educational process are presented in a framework. The opinions and attitudes of both students and educators towards the tools were surveyed, and some research questions related to this form of knowledge acquisition were validated. The presented results show the students’ interest in the educational form as well as the attractive content that goes beyond conventional educational subjects, with its connections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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10 pages, 3619 KiB  
Article
Molten-Salt-Assisted Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanosheets Derived from Biomass Waste of Gingko Shells as Efficient Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
by Wei Hong, Xia Wang, Hongying Zheng, Rong Li, Rui Wu and Jun Song Chen
Processes 2021, 9(12), 2124; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9122124 - 25 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1788
Abstract
Developing superior efficient and durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is critical for high-performance fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Herein, we successfully prepared a 3D, high-level nitrogen-doped, metal-free (N–pC) electrocatalyst employing urea as a single nitrogen source, NaCl as a fully sealed nanoreactor [...] Read more.
Developing superior efficient and durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is critical for high-performance fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Herein, we successfully prepared a 3D, high-level nitrogen-doped, metal-free (N–pC) electrocatalyst employing urea as a single nitrogen source, NaCl as a fully sealed nanoreactor and gingko shells, a biomass waste, as carbon precursor. Due to the high content of active nitrogen groups, large surface area (1133.8 m2 g−1), and 3D hierarchical porous network structure, the as-prepared N–pC has better ORR electrocatalytic performance than the commercial Pt/C and most metal-free carbon materials in alkaline media. Additionally, when N–pC was used as a catalyst for an air electrode, the Zn–air battery (ZAB) had higher peak power density (223 mW cm−2), larger specific-capacity (755 mAh g−1) and better rate-capability than the commercial Pt/C-based one, displaying a good application prospect in metal-air batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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14 pages, 4447 KiB  
Article
Understanding Slovakian Gas Well Performance and Capability through ArcGIS System Mapping
by Gabriel Wittenberger, Jozef Cambal, Erika Skvarekova, Andrea Senova and Ingrid Kanuchova
Processes 2021, 9(10), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9101850 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3015
Abstract
There are two important territories in Slovakia with functioning gas well operations: the Eastern Slovak Lowland and the Vienna Basin. This article focuses on the creation of electronic monitoring and graphical mapping of the current technical conditions of gas wells in the Eastern [...] Read more.
There are two important territories in Slovakia with functioning gas well operations: the Eastern Slovak Lowland and the Vienna Basin. This article focuses on the creation of electronic monitoring and graphical mapping of the current technical conditions of gas wells in the Eastern Slovak Lowland. An analysis of the gas wells’ current state in the terrain is available. The aim of the article is to draw attention to the current state of gas wells, such as the insufficient processing of gas wells, the lack of summary and uniform records concerning them, and the lack of an electronic system for monitoring the technical security of the wells. The scientific contribution of this article lies in its ability to interpret and address operational problems related to gas wells. Through analogy, the step algorithm expresses the possibility of also using gas wells for oil, geothermal and hydrogeological wells. The intention was to highlight the importance of the need to create a database for the security and strategic needs of the state regarding the storage of natural gas. As of yet, no computer or graphic system has been used in Slovakia to monitor, unify and clarify the actual technical condition of gas wells. Using the ArcGIS electronic and graphical software tool, the mapping and recording of gas wells was carried out in the area under investigation. The mapping was completed with the mentioned technical patterns. These patterns have the information found on individual gas wells. After the information is added to the database, this mapping can also be carried out in another important area with functioning gas wells, such as in the Vienna Basin, which could be another theme for further research in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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14 pages, 3392 KiB  
Article
Introducing Oxygen Vacancies in Li4Ti5O12 via Hydrogen Reduction for High-Power Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Yiguang Zhou, Shuhao Xiao, Zhenzhe Li, Xinyan Li, Jintao Liu, Rui Wu and Junsong Chen
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091655 - 14 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2400
Abstract
Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), known as a zero-strain material, is widely studied as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries owing to its high safety and long cycling stability. However, its low electronic conductivity and Li diffusion coefficient significantly deteriorate its [...] Read more.
Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), known as a zero-strain material, is widely studied as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries owing to its high safety and long cycling stability. However, its low electronic conductivity and Li diffusion coefficient significantly deteriorate its high-rate performance. In this work, we proposed a facile approach to introduce oxygen vacancies into the commercialized LTO via thermal treatment under Ar/H2 (5%). The oxygen vacancy-containing LTO demonstrates much better performance than the sample before H2 treatment, especially at high current rates. Density functional theory calculation results suggest that increasing oxygen vacancy concentration could enhance the electronic conductivity and lower the diffusion barrier of Li+, giving rise to a fast electrochemical kinetic process and thus improved high-rate performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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16 pages, 2950 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Performance of Mining Processes after the Strategic Innovation for Sustainable Development
by Katarína Teplická, Samer Khouri, Martin Beer and Jana Rybárová
Processes 2021, 9(8), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9081374 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2692
Abstract
The article summarizes the arguments within the scientific discussion about performance management in mining companies and their significance for obtaining competitiveness in the market of mining companies in the direction of sustainable development and economic growth. The main goal of the paper is [...] Read more.
The article summarizes the arguments within the scientific discussion about performance management in mining companies and their significance for obtaining competitiveness in the market of mining companies in the direction of sustainable development and economic growth. The main goal of the paper is to evaluate the performance indicators of mining processes after the implementation of strategic innovation—a new layout of the mining area focused on a combination of stationary and mobile mining equipment and their influence on the environment in a selected mining company in Slovakia in area of mining of limestone. Methods of research were focused on using economic indicators for the valuation of the efficiency and functionality of the mining processes. We used Pareto analysis for evaluation that points to critical mining processes and their significance in the financial area with orientation to costs, revenues. This research was used economic analysis with direction to efficiency, an indicator of cost and profit. Those indicators create a base for effective business in the mining area. The research empirically confirms that the new innovation of layout of mining place brings improvement of mining processes and indicators point to effective (over limit 0.70) and functional (over limit 0.90) mining processes in the year 2020. Pareto analysis showed the best processes (mining, expedition, transport, sorting) for financial benefits, the volume of production, demand, the satisfaction of customers, the cover needs of industries but at the same they are processes with high costs. Strategic innovation brought improvement too in the area of the environment. The results of the research can be useful for other mining companies in performance management and achievement mining market position. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 5227 KiB  
Article
CFD Performance Analysis of a Dish-Stirling System for Microgeneration
by Davide Papurello, Davide Bertino and Massimo Santarelli
Processes 2021, 9(7), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9071142 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2664
Abstract
The sustainable transition towards renewable energy sources has become increasingly important nowadays. In this work, a microgeneration energy system was investigated. The system is composed of a solar concentrator system coupled with an alpha-type Stirling engine. The aim was to maximize the production [...] Read more.
The sustainable transition towards renewable energy sources has become increasingly important nowadays. In this work, a microgeneration energy system was investigated. The system is composed of a solar concentrator system coupled with an alpha-type Stirling engine. The aim was to maximize the production of electrical energy. By imposing a mean value of the direct irradiance on the system, the model developed can obtain the temperature of the fluid contained inside the Stirling engine. The heat exchanger of the microgenerator system was analyzed, focusing on the solar coupling with the engine, with a multiphysical approach (COMSOL v5.3). A real Stirling cycle was implemented using two methods for comparison: the first-order empirical Beale equation and the Schmidt isothermal method. Results demonstrated that a concentrator of 2.4 m in diameter can generate, starting from 800 W/m2 of mean irradiance, a value of electrical energy equal to 0.99 kWe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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Graphical abstract

28 pages, 2367 KiB  
Article
On Electromobility Development and the Calculation of the Infrastructural Country Electromobility Coefficient
by Erika Feckova Skrabulakova, Monika Ivanova, Andrea Rosova, Elena Gresova, Marian Sofranko and Vojtech Ferencz
Processes 2021, 9(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9020222 - 25 Jan 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4048
Abstract
The question of electromobility is greatly discussed theme of the present especially in connection with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In order to fulfill decarbonization targets, incentives of many countries lead to the support of electromobility. In this paper we ask to [...] Read more.
The question of electromobility is greatly discussed theme of the present especially in connection with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In order to fulfill decarbonization targets, incentives of many countries lead to the support of electromobility. In this paper we ask to which extend are Visegrád Group countries prepared for the widespread utilization of electric cars and define a new coefficient K called the infrastructural country electromobility coefficient. Its computing is covered by appropriate analysis and calculations done previously. Several indices that keep particular information about the state of preparation for electromobility are defined and debated here, as well. Their product forms the coefficient K. Obtained results include outcomes and discussion regarding the level of infrastructural electromobility preparedness for the chosen states, among which we extra focus on the position of Slovakia compared to the European Union average and European electromobility leaders. Based on the data obtained, we found out that the stage of preparation of Slovakia for electromobility among Visegrad Group countries is rather good, although it is far behind the European Union leaders. We realized that there was a rapid growth of electromobility infrastructure in Slovak Republic in the last five years as its infrastructural country electromobility coefficient grew 334 times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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Review

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21 pages, 6175 KiB  
Review
Development Process of Energy Mix towards Neutral Carbon Future of the Slovak Republic: A Review
by Martin Beer and Radim Rybár
Processes 2021, 9(8), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9081263 - 21 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2465
Abstract
Global climate change is putting humanity under pressure, which in many areas poses an unprecedented threat to society as we know it. In an effort to mitigate its effects, it is necessary to reduce the overall production of greenhouse gases and thus, dependence [...] Read more.
Global climate change is putting humanity under pressure, which in many areas poses an unprecedented threat to society as we know it. In an effort to mitigate its effects, it is necessary to reduce the overall production of greenhouse gases and thus, dependence on fossil fuels in all areas of human activities. The presented paper deals with an evaluation of energy mix of the Slovak Republic and four selected neighboring countries in the context of achieving their carbon neutral or carbon negative future. The development of the evaluated energy mixes as well as greenhouse gas emissions is presented from a long-term perspective, which makes it possible to evaluate and compare mutual trends and approaches to emission-free energy sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology)
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